US20110256869A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20110256869A1
Application number: US12/760,323
Authority: US
Inventors: Qin Zhang; Jason Shi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Apple Inc
Priority date: 2010-04-14
Filing date: 2010-04-14
Publication date: 2011-10-20

Abstract

Methods, program products, and systems of peer-to-peer assisted network searching are disclosed. In general, in one aspect, a first mobile device can request cellular connectivity configuration information from one or more second mobile devices over a personal area network. The first mobile device can receive the cellular connectivity configuration information from the one or more second mobile devices. From the received cellular connectivity configuration information, the first mobile device can identify a cellular connectivity configuration that is compatible with the first mobile device. The first mobile device can select a cellular network to connect to using the identified cellular connectivity configuration.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to configuring a mobile device.

BACKGROUND

A modern mobile device can incorporate functions of a computer, of a cellular transceiver, or a wireless (e.g., WiFi™) transceiver. For example, the mobile device can perform traditional computer functions, such as executing application programs, storing various data, and displaying digital images. These functions can be performed in an application subsystem of the mobile device. The application subsystem can include an application processor, an application operating system, and various input/output devices.

When the mobile device functions as a cellular transceiver, the mobile device can initiate and receive phone calls, send and receive data over a cellular network, identify cellular tower connections, and determine when and whether to switch cellular towers. Similarly, the mobile device can function as a wireless radio transceiver and send and received data over a wireless network, e.g. a WiFi™ network. These radio-related functions can be performed in a baseband subsystem of the mobile device. The baseband subsystem can include a baseband processor and a baseband operating system. The baseband processor can be an integrated circuit (IC) device (e.g., a Large Scale Integrated Circuit (LSI)) that performs communication functions. The baseband processor can include, for example, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) modem. The baseband processor can be can be integrated with the application processor in a System-on-Chip (SoC). In general, the application subsystem can consume more power than the baseband subsystem when activated.

SUMMARY

The details of one or more implementations of peer-to-peer assisted network search are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of peer-to-peer assisted network search will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides an overview of an exemplary peer-to-peer assisted network search.

FIG. 2 illustrates information passed between mobile devices during a peer-to-peer assisted network search.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components of a mobile device configured to perform peer-to-peer assisted network search.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary data structure of information used in peer-to-peer assisted network search.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface for configuring a mobile device to provide peer-to-peer assistance for network search.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are flowcharts illustrating exemplary processes of peer-to-peer assisted network search.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary device architecture of a mobile device implementing the features and operations described in reference toFIGS. 1-6.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary network operating environment for the mobile devices ofFIGS. 1-7.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview of Peer-to-Peer Assisted Network Search

FIG. 1 provides an overview of an exemplary peer-to-peer assisted network search. In the example shown inFIG. 1,mobile devices100 can request and receive peer-to-peer assistance when performing the network search.

Mobile device

100 can include a baseband subsystem that monitors a cellular communications network. The baseband subsystem can determine whether to switch from one wireless communication gateway (e.g., a cell tower) to another wireless communication gateway, or from one network to another network.Mobile device100 can be registered to a network service provider, or network operator, such thatmobile device100 can operate in a particular cellular network of the network operator (e.g., a home network).Mobile device100 can travel (e.g., roam) to an area that is outside the home network. During roaming,mobile device100 can attempt to connect to a second network (e.g., a visited network) as a visitor. The visited network can determine that no entry ofmobile device100 exists in a home subscriber register of the visited network. Example home subscriber registers can include a Home Location Register (HLR) in a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks, or local customer database in a wireless local area network (WLAN).

The visited network, upon detecting a presence ofmobile device100, and noticing thatmobile device100 is not registered with the visited network, can attempt to identify the home network ofmobile device100. If there is no roaming agreement between the home network and the visited network, the visited network can deny service tomobile device100. If a roaming agreement exists, the visited network can contact the home network and request service information aboutmobile device100, including whether or notmobile device100 is allowed to roam. Upon a positive response, the visited network can maintain a temporary subscriber record formobile device100. The home network can update information onmobile device100 to indicate thatmobile device100 is on the visited network so that any information sent tomobile device100 can be correctly routed.

Mobile device

100 can determine which networks are available by scanning various networks. Whenmobile device100 is located at a location (e.g., a foreign country) where radio access technologies (RAT) are different from that of the home network,mobile device100 may need to perform the scan using various access technologies, over various bands, in various frequencies. The scanning can be time consuming when multiple networks, multiple technologies, and multiple bands are available.

For example,mobile device100, having a home network in San Francisco, United States, can travel to Tokyo, Japan. Various cellular networks operated by various operators (e.g., NTT DoCoMo, au, or SoftBank Mobile) using various technologies can be available in Tokyo. The technologies can include personal digital cellular (PDC), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), code division multiple access (e.g., CDMA 2000 1X). Geographic areas of coverage of the networks can overlap. For example,mobile device100 can be located incell110 of a first network,cell112 of a second network, andcell114 of a third network.Mobile device100 can determine which cell tower of

cells

110,112, and114 to connect to.

Mobile device

100 can intelligently determine which network and which cell tower to connect to.Mobile device100 can perform a search of the networks. For example,mobile device100 can scan various channels using various access technology compatible withmobile device100. If a channel of a particular network is identified,mobile device100 can send a notification of a presence ofmobile device100 to the network through the channel, such that the network can determine whether to provide service tomobile device100. If no service is available from a particular network,mobile device100 can continue scanning in an attempt to find the next network.

Mobile device

100 can utilize peer-to-peer assistance to reduce time for the search. Prior to or during the search,mobile device100 can seek peer-to-peer assistance from other mobile devices (e.g.,

mobile devices

102,104, and108).Mobile device100 can seek peer-to-peer assistance at any time, including at a time where home network is not available.Mobile device100 can broadcast a request for peer-to-peer assistance to nearby mobile devices (e.g.,

mobile devices

102,104, and106) using a wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth™) over a personal area network (PAN) that is proximate tomobile device100. The request can be broadcast automatically, or upon user request.

At lease some of

mobile devices

102,104, and106 can respond to the request by broadcasting network configuration information.

Mobile devices

102,104, and106 can be mobile devices that are connected to the various networks thatmobile device100 is attempting to search. The network configuration information can include the technology used in the networks, the channels, bands, and frequencies that are being used, by

mobile devices

102,104, and106. In some implementations, the network configuration information can include a RAT identifier, a mobile country code (MCC), a mobile network code (MNC), a public land mobile network (PLMN) code that includes both the MCC and the MNC, a location area code (LAC), and a cell ID of the cellular communication network to which a mobile device is connected.

Mobile device

100 can receive the network configuration information and use the network configuration to optimize the search for an available network. For example,mobile device100 can receive a response identifying that W-CDMA,band1,frequency1, and public land mobilenetwork operator PLMN1 being used by a second mobile device.Mobile device100 can limit the search to networks using W-CDMA technology ifmobile device100 is compatible with W-CDMA. By searching the network using knowledge gained from the received network configuration information,mobile device100 can reduce the time needed to identify and connect to a network.

FIG. 2 illustrates the information passed between mobile devices during a peer-to-peer assisted network search.Mobile device100 can broadcast a request for peer-to-peer assistance for network search. In response to the request,

mobile devices

102,104, and106 can each send network configuration information that contain different data fields.

For example,mobile device102 can respond by sendingnetwork configuration information202, which can include information on technology used by a first cellular network to whichmobile device102 is connected in a RAT identifier (e.g., “UMTS”).Configuration information202 can also include an MNC of the network (e.g., “MNC02”), and the most recently connected cell IDs of the cells (e.g., “cell ID2” and “cell ID3”).Mobile device100 can perform a search using technology specified in the received RAT identifier to search the cellular networks. Additionally or alternatively,mobile device100 can determine priority of the search of networks based on whether a network operator identified by the MNC has a service agreement with the home network ofmobile device100.Mobile device100 can determine a priority of search of cells based on the most recent cell IDs received frommobile device102.

MNC (e.g., “MNC02” received from mobile device102), in itself, may not be sufficient for identifying a network operator. An MCC may be necessary. The MCC can be missing fromnetwork configuration information202 due to a user configuration, a faulty transmission ofnetwork configuration information202, or other reasons.Mobile device100 can combinenetwork configuration information202 withnetwork configuration information206 frommobile device106 in order to determine which network operator is available.Network configuration information206 can include an MCC (e.g., “MCC440” for Japan). Combining the MCC received innetwork configuration information206 with the MNC received innetwork configuration information102 to identify the network operator. For example,mobile device100, based on “MCC440” in combination with “MNC02,” can determine that the network operator is NTT DoCoMo.

Mobile device

100 can receivenetwork configuration information204 frommobile device104.Network configuration information204 can include a RAT identifier (e.g., “W-CDMA”) from a network, and band, frequency, and PLMN information currently used or last used bymobile device104.Mobile device100 can identify that RAT identifiers “W-CDMA” and “UMTS” are synonyms.Mobile device100 can store the information while performing a first search using the

network configuration information

202 and206 received from

mobile devices

102 and106, individually or in combination. If that search does not result in finding a network that can provide service,mobile device100 can perform a second search using the stored information. If none of the received network configuration information can result in finding a network that can provide service, or if no assistance is received,mobile device100 can perform the service using all technologies, bands, and frequencies.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components ofmobile device100 configured to perform peer-to-peer assisted network search.Mobile device100 can include, among other components,application subsystem302,baseband subsystem304, andPAN communications subsystem306.

Application subsystem

302 can include an application operating system and an application processor.Configuration manager306 can execute inapplication subsystem302.Configuration manager310 can communicate withbaseband subsystem304 andPAN communication subsystem306.

Whenmobile device100 is turned on or enters an active mode, for example, whenmobile device100 exits an “airplane” mode in which communications functions are turned off,baseband subsystem304 can be activated to seek a wireless communications network (e.g., a cellular network).Configuration manager310 can be activated to seek peer-to-peer assistance for the network search.

Configuration manager

310 can submit a request toPAN communications subsystem306 to seek assistance from peers (e.g., other mobile devices) that are located in the PAN.PAN communications subsystem306 can include a PAN operating system and a PAN processor for communicating with other mobile devices using wireless PAN standards (e.g., an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard that belongs to IEEE 802.15x family). Upon receiving the request fromconfiguration manager310,PAN communications subsystem306 can broadcast the request and receive network configuration information from various mobile devices.PAN communications subsystem306 can send the information toconfiguration manager310. The network configuration information need not be received all at once.PAN communications subsystem306 can receive network configuration information from one mobile device earlier than another device.

Configuration manager

310 can store the network configuration information received fromPAN communications subsystem306 inconfiguration data store330. The network configuration information can be stored in various data fields to allow network configuration information received from one mobile device to be combined with network configuration information received from another mobile device such that a complete PLMN can be derived. For example, ifconfiguration manager310 receives an MNC without an MCC,configuration manager310 can store the MNC inconfiguration data store330. Whenconfiguration manager310 receives an MCC later,configuration manager310 can combine the MCC and MNC to identify a network operator.

Upon identifying one or more network operators,configuration manager310 can determine a search order by whichbaseband subsystem304 can perform the search for a network. The search order can be based on various factors. For example, a search strategy can include prioritizing various technologies according to compatibility of the technologies withmobile device100. A search strategy can specify which network to search first based on whether the network has roaming agreement with the home network ofmobile device100. The search order can specify, for example, that the network charging the least roaming fees to be searched first. Various fee schedules and a list of one or more networks that have roaming agreement with the home network can be stored inconfiguration data store330.Data store330 can additionally or alternatively store a user-configured search order that specifies a user preference as to which network is to be searched first.

Configuration manager

310 can configurebaseband subsystem304 to search the network based on the search order. When baseband subsystem304 finds a network and a frequency to use,baseband subsystem304 can provide feedback toconfiguration manager310 to allowconfiguration manager310 to stop requesting or receiving peer-to-peer assistance.

The search for a network bybaseband subsystem304 can take an amount of time during whichconfiguration manager310 can receive additional network configuration information from mobile devices. When the additional network configuration information indicates a network, or a band, or a frequency, that ranks lower in the search order than the current network, band, or frequency being searched bybaseband subsystem304,configuration manager310 can store the additional network configuration information inconfiguration data store330. Ifbaseband subsystem304 finds a network to connect to, the additional information need not be used. Ifbaseband subsystem304 fails to find a network, or the network found bybaseband subsystem304 refuses to provide service tomobile device100,baseband subsystem304 can provide feedback toconfiguration manager310, informingconfiguration manager310 of the failure.Configuration manager310 can configurebaseband subsystem304 to search an additional network, band, or frequency using the additional information.

When the additional network configuration information indicates a network, or a band, or a frequency, that ranks higher in the search order than the current network, band, or frequency being searched bybaseband subsystem304,configuration manager310 can configurebaseband subsystem304 to interrupt the current search and perform a new search using the additional network configuration information. Information of the current search, including configuration parameters, can be stored inconfiguration data store330. If the new search fails,configuration manager310 can configurebaseband subsystem304 to continue performing the interrupted search.

FIG. 4 illustratesexemplary data structure400 of information used in peer-to-peer assisted network search.Data structure400 can be used to define network configuration information transmitted between mobile devices, peer-to-peer, in a PAN. For convenience,data structure400 will be described with reference tomobile device102, which can respond to a peer-to-peer assistance request by transmitting data organized indata structure400.

Data structure

400 can include configurationinformation header field406, which can store a header. The header can include a timestamp of the transmission, a timestamp indicating when data fields indata structure400 was last changed, and geographic coordinates ofmobile device102.Data structure400 can include RATinformation data field408, which can be used to specify a RAT identifier (e.g., a label) that describes what radio access technology (e.g., “UMTS”) is used bymobile device102.

Bandinformation data field410 can be used to specify which frequency band is used in a network using the RAT. For example, bandinformation data field410 can indicate thatmobile device102 operates in frequency band2100, which can indicate that a user equipment (UE) transmit frequency range is between 1920 and 1980 megahertz (MHz), and a UE receive frequency range is between 2110 and 2170 MHz. Frequencyinformation data field412 can be used to specify a current frequency being used bymobile device102. Channelinformation data field414 can include information on a current channel number. The current channel number can be a universal mobile telephony system terrestrial radio access absolute radio frequency channel number (UARFCN), for example, between channel9612 and9888.PLMN data field416 can be used to specify an MCC and an MNC, which, in combination, can uniquely identify a network operator.

In some implementations,data structure400 can allow data ofPLMN data field416 to include only MCC information or only MNC information, such that MCC and MNC can be transmitted separately. Thus, a user ofmobile device102 can configuremobile device102 to provide peer-to-peer assistance to other mobile devices without revealing what network operator is used bymobile device102.

Data structure

400 can further include location areainformation data field422, which can be used to specify a LAC, and cellinformation data field424, which can be used to specify a current cell ID. Not all information needs to be provided for all data fields during a peer-to-peer assistance of a network search. A mobile device (e.g., mobile device100) receiving partial information from multiple mobile devices providing assistance can assemble the partial information.

FIG. 5 illustratesexemplary user interface502 for configuring a mobile device to provide peer-to-peer assistance for network search. For convenience, the user interface will be described with respect tomobile device102 that implements the user interface.

A user can configuremobile device102 to provide or not to provide peer-to-peer assistance to other mobile devices (e.g., mobile device100).Mobile device102 can be configured throughuser interface502 that is presented ondisplay device530 ofmobile device102.Mobile device102 can include, for example, a handheld computer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, an electronic tablet, a network appliance, a camera, a smart phone, an enhanced general packet radio service (EGPRS) mobile phone, a network base station, a media player, a navigation device, an email device, a game console, or a combination of any two or more of these data processing devices or other data processing devices.Display device530 can include a multi-touch sensitive screen that can receive user inputs.

User interface

502 can be invoked, for example, whenmobile device102 receives a touch input throughdisplay device530 in a “set up” screen.User interface502 can includecontrol512 for determining whether to provide peer-to-peer (P2P) assistance for network searching to another mobile device requesting the assistance. The peer-to-peer service will be provided if the control is set to an “on” position, e.g., by a user touching a switch displayed incontrol512 and flip the switch to the “on” position.

User interface

502 can includecontrol514 for determining whether to activate an application subsystem (e.g., application subsystem302) in order to provide the peer-to-peer assistance.Mobile device102 can include an application subsystem that has an active mode and a power-saving (or standby, or sleep) mode. Generally, the application subsystem can consume more power in the active mode than in the power-saving mode. To conserve battery power ofmobile device102, the application subsystem can be set to the power-saving mode after a threshold period of time of idling (e.g., one minute). In the power-saving mode, non-essential components of the application subsystem can be temporarily suspended. For example, an image of volatile memory, if any, can be cached on non-volatile storage device, and power supply to the volatile memory can be disconnected. Non-essential parts of the core of the application processor can be turned off. The clock of the processor can be slowed down. A subsystem for monitoring a PAN (e.g., PAN communications subsystem306) can be kept “on” constantly or intermittently. Thus, the subsystem for monitoring the PAN can receive a request for peer-to-peer assistance when the application subsystem is in a power-saving mode.

Whencontrol514 is set to “on,” the subsystem for monitoring the PAN can activate the application subsystem to provide the assistance, even if the application subsystem is in a power-saving mode. Whencontrol514 is set to “off,” the subsystem for monitoring the PAN can request the assistance from the application subsystem only when the application subsystem is in active mode. If the application subsystem is in power-saving mode, the application subsystem will not be invoked.

In some implementations, the subsystem for monitoring the PAN can directly interact with a baseband subsystem (e.g., baseband subsystem304) to acquire network configuration information and broadcast the network configuration information upon receiving a request.

User interface

502 can include

controls

516,518, and520 for configuringmobile device102 as to whether to send operator information (e.g., MNC), band information, and cell information, respectively, in a response to request for assistance.

Controls

516,518 and520 can allow a user ofmobile device102 to prevent other users (e.g., a user using a device requesting assistance) from acquiring knowledge on which network the user has been using, what frequency is being used bymobile device102, and in which cellmobile device102 is (or was) located.

User interface

502 can include resetcontrol522 that allows the user to delete the configurations set up by the user and set the peer-to-peer assistance settings to default values (e.g., factory values whenmobile device102 was shipped).

Exemplary Processes of Peer-to-Peer Assisted Network Search

FIGS. 6A and 6B are flowcharts illustrating

exemplary processes

600 and630, respectively, of peer-to-peer assisted network search.FIG. 6A illustratesexemplary process600 of requesting and receiving peer-to-peer assistance for network search. For convenience,process600 will be described in reference tomobile device100 that implementsprocess600.

Mobile device

100 can request (602) cellular connectivity configuration information from one or more second mobile devices (e.g.,

mobile devices

102,104, or106) over a personal area network. The cellular connectivity configuration information includes at least one of an MCC, a UARFCN, an ARFCN, and a RAT identifier. In some implementations, the MCC can be specified in PLMNinformation data field416 ofdata structure400. The UARFCN and ARFCN can be specified in channelinformation data field414. The RAT identifier can be specified in RATinformation data field408.

In some implementations, cellular connectivity configuration information further includes a set of cell IDs of radio cells that are within communication range of the second mobile devices. Each second mobile device (e.g., mobile device102) can respond to the request by sending to mobile device100 a current cell ID, or a list of cell IDs most recently used by the second mobile device. The cellular connectivity configuration information further includes a band identifier and a frequency identifier. The band identifier can be stored in bandinformation data field410 ofdata structure400. The frequency identifier can be stored in frequencyinformation data field412.

Mobile device

100 can receive (604) the cellular connectivity configuration information from the one or more second mobile devices (e.g.,

mobile devices

102,104, and106).

Mobile device

100 can identify (606), from the received cellular connectivity configuration information, a cellular connectivity configuration that is compatible with themobile device100. Identifying the cellular connectivity configuration can include identifying a cellular network that has a roaming agreement with a home network ofmobile device100. The cellular connectivity configuration information includes signal strength values of cells of various cellular networks. The signal strength values can be specified in cellinformation data field424, in association with cell IDs. Identifying the cellular connectivity configuration can include selecting a particular cell of a particular cellular network, the cell being a cell of the cellular network whose service provider is in the list of registered service providers, and the cell being associated with a strongest signal strength value.

Mobile device

100 can automatically configure (608)mobile device100 using the identified cellular connectivity configuration. Automatically configuringmobile device100 can include determining a network search strategy using the identified cellular connectivity configuration. The network strategy can include prioritizing networks and channels for search.

FIG. 6B illustratesexemplary process630 of providing peer-to-peer assistance for network search. For convenience,process630 will be described in reference tomobile device102 that implementsprocess630.

A first mobile device (e.g., mobile device102) can receive (632) a request from one or more second mobile devices (e.g., mobile device100) over a PAN (e.g., a Bluetooth™ network), the request requesting cellular connectivity configuration information.Mobile device102 and the second mobile devices can be peers in the PAN. For example,mobile device102 and the second mobile devices can be distributed in the PAN such thatmobile device102 and the second mobile devices can exchange data with one another through mutual data exchange (e.g., without using central coordination from a server).

Mobile device

102 can identify (634) cellular connectivity configuration information ofmobile device102. The cellular connectivity configuration information can be identified directly from a baseband subsystem, or from the baseband subsystem through an application subsystem. The cellular connectivity configuration information can include at least one of an MCC, a UARFCN, an ARFCN, and a RAT identifier.

Mobile device

102 can transmit (636) the cellular connectivity configuration information to the one or more second mobile devices over the personal area network. The transmission can by made through a broadcast.

Exemplary Mobile Device Architecture

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of anexemplary architecture700 for the mobile devices ofFIGS. 1-6. A mobile device (e.g., mobile device100) can be, for example, a handheld computer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, an electronic tablet, a network appliance, a camera, a smart phone, an enhanced general packet radio service (EGPRS) mobile phone, a network base station, a media player, a navigation device, an email device, a game console, or a combination of any two or more of these data processing devices or other data processing devices.

Mobile device

100 can includememory interface702, one or more data processors, image processors and/orprocessors704, and peripherals interface706.Memory interface702, one ormore processors704 and/or peripherals interface706 can be separate components or can be integrated in one or more integrated circuits.Processors704 can include application processors (APs) and baseband processors (BPs). The various components inmobile device100, for example, can be coupled by one or more communication buses or signal lines.

Sensors, devices, and subsystems can be coupled to peripherals interface706 to facilitate multiple functionalities. For example,motion sensor710,light sensor712, andproximity sensor714 can be coupled to peripherals interface706 to facilitate orientation, lighting, and proximity functions of the mobile device. Location processor715 (e.g., GPS receiver) can be connected to peripherals interface706 to provide geopositioning. Electronic magnetometer716 (e.g., an integrated circuit chip) can also be connected to peripherals interface706 to provide data that can be used to determine the direction of magnetic North. Thus,electronic magnetometer716 can be used as an electronic compass.Accelerometer717 can also be connected to peripherals interface706 to provide data that can be used to determine change of speed and direction of movement of the mobile device.

Camera subsystem

720 and anoptical sensor722, e.g., a charged coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) optical sensor, can be utilized to facilitate camera functions, such as recording photographs and video clips.

Communication functions can be facilitated through one or morewireless communication subsystems724, which can include radio frequency receivers and transmitters and/or optical (e.g., infrared) receivers and transmitters. The specific design and implementation of thecommunication subsystem724 can depend on the communication network(s) over which a mobile device is intended to operate. For example, a mobile device can includecommunication subsystems724 designed to operate over a GSM network, a GPRS network, an EDGE network, a Wi-Fi or WiMax network, and a Bluetooth™ network. In particular, thewireless communication subsystems724 can include hosting protocols such that the mobile device can be configured as a base station for other wireless devices.

Audio subsystem

726 can be coupled to aspeaker728 and amicrophone730 to facilitate voice-enabled functions, such as voice recognition, voice replication, digital recording, and telephony functions.

I/O subsystem740 can includetouch screen controller742 and/or other input controller(s)744. Touch-screen controller742 can be coupled to atouch screen746 or pad.Touch screen746 andtouch screen controller742 can, for example, detect contact and movement or break thereof using any of a plurality of touch sensitivity technologies, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact withtouch screen746.

Other input controller(s)744 can be coupled to other input/control devices748, such as one or more buttons, rocker switches, thumb-wheel, infrared port, USB port, and/or a pointer device such as a stylus. The one or more buttons (not shown) can include an up/down button for volume control ofspeaker728 and/ormicrophone730.

In one implementation, a pressing of the button for a first duration may disengage a lock of thetouch screen746; and a pressing of the button for a second duration that is longer than the first duration may turn power tomobile device100 on or off. The user may be able to customize a functionality of one or more of the buttons. Thetouch screen746 can, for example, also be used to implement virtual or soft buttons and/or a keyboard.

In some implementations,mobile device100 can present recorded audio and/or video files, such as MP3, AAC, and MPEG files. In some implementations,mobile device100 can include the functionality of an MP3 player, such as an IPod™ Mobile device100 may, therefore, include a pin connector that is compatible with the iPod. Other input/output and control devices can also be used.

Memory interface

702 can be coupled tomemory750.Memory750 can include high-speed random access memory and/or non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, one or more optical storage devices, and/or flash memory (e.g., NAND, NOR).Memory750 can storeoperating system752, such as Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks.Operating system752 may include instructions for handling basic system services and for performing hardware dependent tasks. In some implementations,operating system752 can include a kernel (e.g., UNIX kernel).

Memory

Each of the above identified instructions and applications can correspond to a set of instructions for performing one or more functions described above. These instructions need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures, or modules.Memory750 can include additional instructions or fewer instructions. Furthermore, various functions of the mobile device may be implemented in hardware and/or in software, including in one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits.

Exemplary Operating Environment

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplarynetwork operating environment800 for the mobile devices ofFIGS. 1-7.

Mobile devices

802aand802bcan, for example, communicate over one or more wired and/orwireless networks810 in data communication. For example, awireless network812, e.g., a cellular network, can communicate with a wide area network (WAN)814, such as the Internet, by use of agateway816. Likewise, anaccess device818, such as an 802.11g wireless access device, can provide communication access to thewide area network814.

In some implementations, both voice and data communications can be established overwireless network812 and theaccess device818. For example,mobile device802acan place and receive phone calls (e.g., using voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) protocols), send and receive e-mail messages (e.g., using Post Office Protocol3 (POP3)), and retrieve electronic documents and/or streams, such as web pages, photographs, and videos, overwireless network812,gateway816, and wide area network814 (e.g., using Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP)). Likewise, in some implementations, themobile device802bcan place and receive phone calls, send and receive e-mail messages, and retrieve electronic documents over theaccess device818 and thewide area network814. In some implementations,

mobile device

802aor802bcan be physically connected to theaccess device818 using one or more cables and theaccess device818 can be a personal computer. In this configuration,

mobile device

802aor802bcan be referred to as a “tethered” device.

Mobile devices

802aand802bcan also establish communications by other means. For example,wireless device802acan communicate with other wireless devices, e.g., other

mobile devices

802aor802b, cell phones, etc., over thewireless network812. Likewise,

mobile devices

802aand802bcan establish peer-to-peer communications820, e.g., a personal area network, by use of one or more communication subsystems, such as the Bluetooth™ communication devices. Other communication protocols and topologies can also be implemented.

The

mobile device

802aor802bcan, for example, communicate with one or

more services

830 and840 over the one or more wired and/or wireless networks. For example, one or morelocation registrations services830 can provide various services, including functions and application programs, to mobile devices802. The services can be based on where mobile devices802 are located.

Application program service

840 can, for example, provide application programs for download to mobile device802. The application programs can include application programs that facilitate peer-to-peer assisted network search.

Mobile device

802aor802bcan also access other data and content over the one or more wired and/or wireless networks. For example, content publishers, such as news sites, Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds, web sites, blogs, social networking sites, developer networks, etc., can be accessed by

mobile device

802aor802b. Such access can be provided by invocation of a web browsing function or application (e.g., a browser) in response to a user touching, for example, a Web object.

A number of implementations of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, a personal area network is disclosed where peer-to peer assistance is provided. Other form of networks, e.g., WLAN, can be used. A mobile device that requests and receives peer-to-peer assistance is described in reference tomobile device100. A mobile device that provides peer-to-peer assistance is described in reference tomobile device102. Each of

mobile devices

100 and102 can both request/receive and provide peer-to-peer assistance.

Claims

1. A method executed by a first mobile device, comprising:

requesting cellular connectivity configuration information from one or more second mobile devices over a personal area network;

receiving, on the first mobile device, the cellular connectivity configuration information from the one or more second mobile devices;

identifying, from the received cellular connectivity configuration information, a cellular connectivity configuration that is compatible with the first mobile device; and

configuring the first mobile device using the identified cellular connectivity configuration.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the cellular connectivity configuration information includes at least one of a mobile country code (MCC), a mobile network code (MNC), a public land mobile network (PLMN) code, a universal mobile telephony system terrestrial radio access absolute radio frequency channel number (UARFCN), an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN), and a radio access technology (RAT) identifier.

3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the cellular connectivity configuration information further includes a set of cell identifiers (cell IDs) of radio cells that are within communication range of the second mobile devices.

4. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the cellular connectivity configuration information further includes a band identifier and a frequency identifier.

5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein identifying the cellular connectivity configuration includes identifying a cellular network that has a roaming agreement with a home network of the first mobile device.

6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the cellular connectivity configuration information includes signal strength values of cells of various cellular networks.

7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein identifying the cellular connectivity configuration includes selecting a particular cell of a particular cellular network, the cell being a cell of the cellular network whose service provider is in a list of registered service providers, and the cell being associated with a strongest signal strength value.

8. A method executed by a first mobile device, comprising:

receiving a request from one or more second mobile devices over a personal area network, the request requesting cellular connectivity configuration information;

identifying, on the first mobile device, cellular connectivity configuration information of the first mobile device; and

transmitting, from the first mobile device, the cellular connectivity configuration information to the one or more second mobile devices over the personal area network.

9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the cellular connectivity configuration information includes at least one of a mobile country code (MCC), a mobile network code (MNC), a public land mobile network (PLMN) code, a universal mobile telephony system terrestrial radio access absolute radio frequency channel number (UARFCN), an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN), and a radio access technology (RAT) identifier.

10. A system, comprising:

a first mobile device, the first mobile device configured to perform operations comprising:

11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the cellular connectivity configuration information includes at least one of a mobile country code (MCC), a mobile network code (MNC), a public land mobile network (PLMN) code, a universal mobile telephony system terrestrial radio access absolute radio frequency channel number (UARFCN), an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN), and a radio access technology (RAT) identifier.

12. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the cellular connectivity configuration information further includes a set of cell identifiers (cell IDs) of radio cells that are within communication range of the second mobile devices.

13. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the cellular connectivity configuration information further includes a band identifier and a frequency identifier.

14. The system ofclaim 10, wherein identifying the cellular connectivity configuration includes identifying a cellular network that has a roaming agreement with a home network of the first mobile device.

15. A system, comprising:

16. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the cellular connectivity configuration information includes at least one of a mobile country code (MCC), a mobile network code (MNC), a public land mobile network (PLMN) code, a universal mobile telephony system terrestrial radio access absolute radio frequency channel number (UARFCN), an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN), and a radio access technology (RAT) identifier.

17. A computer program product stored on a storage device, operable to cause a first mobile device to perform operations comprising:

18. The product ofclaim 17, wherein the cellular connectivity configuration information includes at least one of a mobile country code (MCC), a mobile network code (MNC), a public land mobile network (PLMN) code, a universal mobile telephony system terrestrial radio access absolute radio frequency channel number (UARFCN), an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN), and a radio access technology (RAT) identifier.

19. The product ofclaim 18, wherein the cellular connectivity configuration information further includes a set of cell identifiers (cell IDs) of radio cells that are within communication range of the second mobile devices.

20. The product ofclaim 18, wherein the cellular connectivity configuration information further includes a band identifier and a frequency identifier.